_SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE_ The peculiarities of Matthew’s last chapter are largely due to the purpose of his Gospel. Throughout it has been the record of the Galilean ministry, the picture of the King of Israel, and of His treatment by those who should have been His subjects. This chapter establishes the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 28:1. IN THE END OF THE SABBATH.—_Late on the Sabbath day_ (R.V.).—We must assume, with Meyer, Lange, and Alford, that Matthew here follows the natural division of the day from sunrise to sunrise, which seems to be favoured by the following definition of time: “As it began t... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 28:13. SAY YE, etc.—In addition to all the judgments of impotency, embarrassment, and rejection, they are now subjected to the judgment of stupidity (_Lange_). Let the critic say what better expedient they could have thought of, before he assigns its poverty as a reason for... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 28:16. THEN.—_But_ (R.V.). Certainly not before the second week after the resurrection, and probably somewhat later (_Brown_). THE ELEVEN DISCIPLES.—They come forward here as the representatives of the entire band of disciples, and not as the select apostolic college of the... [ Continue Reading ]